Father and daughter, united by values, education, and a shared journey at IESE.
This episode celebrates the Arribas family’s unique IESE journey: Alberto Alberto Arribas, Executive MBA ’94, is deeply committed to people, leadership, and purpose. With a rich and diverse professional journey, he has served to executives in the Executive Education programs at IESE Business School, his alma mater. Currently overseeing the Health, Insurance, and Facility Management sectors, and Mercedes’, his amazing daughter, MiM’24, and her bold transition from pharmacy to business. Together, they exemplify the enduring values and transformative power of an IESE education.
Thank you Alberto and Mercedes for participating in this series. It is a real honor to have you.
Q: Mercedes, what are your earliest memories of IESE, and how did they influence your decision to study here?
Mercedes: My first memories of IESE come from attending IESE Family Day celebrations on Madrid Campus when I was younger. Those were such special moments—there was always a welcoming atmosphere that made you feel part of something bigger. Over the years, hearing my father’s stories reinforced that sense of belonging. For me, IESE is much more than a place of study; it’s like a family. When it came to choosing where to pursue my master’s, IESE was the clear choice. Its values align with those I grew up with, and I wanted to be in an environment where those values are lived daily.
Q: Alberto, what advice did you give Mercedes as she began the MiM program?
Alberto: I told her to embrace the unknown. Coming from a different background, she needed to quickly understand new criteria and perspectives. The best advice I received during my EMBA was to trust the process, and I passed that on to her. I also emphasized the importance of teamwork—being generous with your time, not just for the cases, but also for your team members.
Q: Mercedes, as a pharmacist, how has the MiM program complemented your scientific background??
Mercedes: Well, it was during my internship at a pharmaceutical company, I realized that I lacked a solid education in the business and strategy aspects. Until then, my training had been very technical, and while I loved it, I realized I needed to broaden my perspective if I wanted to direct my career toward the business side of the industry. I decided to join the MiM, and while it was a big challenge at first—especially because I had no experience in finance or business—it was an incredible experience. In hindsight, I see that for someone with a scientific background wanting to transition into the business world, this program is the perfect balance. In my case, I have the driving force that has always fueled me—healthcare focused on patient well-being—along with a business vision that allows me to seek real impact in this field
Q: Mercedes, although the resemblance is blatantly obvious, do you feel you’ve inherited any of your father’s approaches to work and life?
Mercedes: Yes, absolutely. We’ve always been told that we’re like two peas in a pod, and I have no doubt about it. I believe the professional approach, in part, is implicit in how we approach life in general, and if I had to choose a role model, it would undoubtedly be my father. As I mentioned, on a personal level, he has always managed to instill in me sensitivity and empathy towards others, humility, and generosity—values I consider essential not only in the professional sphere but also as a person.
Q: Alberto, what advice would you give Mercedes as she begins her career?
Alberto: My advise is the following, that nothing is definitive—it’s all part of an ongoing process of learning and growth. If you give your best effort from the start, you’ll understand yourself better and take the next steps with greater confidence. Observe, ask questions, and identify where you can shine the most. Don’t fear mistakes or overvalue successes—both are integral to building a clear understanding of reality and shaping a grounded personality.
Q: With regards the Case Methodology Mercedes, how did it helped you see new perspectives?
Mercedes: Before starting IESE, I had never worked on any cases like the ones we’ve tackled this year, and I’ve loved this new way of approaching a ‘problem.’ It brings you closer to very real business situations that we will likely face in the future. The fact that we’ve analyzed, from the ground up, situations faced by successful companies makes it much easier to pinpoint the problem and figure out how to solve it.
It has been an absolute privilege to hear from both Alberto and Mercedes Arribas, a truly inspiring father-daughter interview. We are incredibly grateful to you for taking the time to share your insights and experiences with us, and we look forward to following the incredible journeys that lie ahead for both of you. Thank you, Alberto and Mercedes, for your generosity, wisdom, and for being such an integral part of the IESE community. THANKS & THANKS
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our IESE Generations series.
